Bears Confirmed & Rumoured Signings

[SirPies&Beers]

Surprise Broncos deal opens door for Perth Bears move​

Peter Maniaty
15 hours ago5:01 pm AEST

With the Perth Bears entering the NRL competition in 2027, it’s a given the new club will be extremely active in the contract market from November 1 this year, so a one-year extension makes complete sense for a player like Hetherington.
Speaking to The Courier Mail, Hetherington’s manager Chris Haddad confirmed they were delighted with a short-term deal.
MORE: Michael Maguire delivers update following mid-season ‘spine surgery’
“It’s a great result,” Haddad explained.
“Kobe is happy at the Broncos, so we were happy to extend for one year and we’ll see what happens after that.”
Known for his power, passion and tireless work ethic, Hetherington will hold plenty of appeal for the Perth Bears, particularly based on the model so successfully used by the Dolphins ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2023.
Since being graded by the Broncos in 2021, the 26-year-old has proven to be a key member of the Brisbane squad under both current head coach Michael Maguire and also his predecessor, Kevin Walters.
The son of former Queensland and Australian hooker Jason Hetherington, Kobe has featured in all 17 games for the Broncos in the 2025 season, starting in 13.
Hetherington currently sits on 95 NRL games and, injuries aside, should reach his 100-game milestone before the 2025 final series.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

‘Made a grave error’: Why $1m feeding frenzy could see Sharks lose the ‘form player’ of NRL

‘Made a grave error’: Why $1m feeding frenzy could see Sharks lose the ‘form player’ of NRL

www.foxsports.com.au

https://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/nrl/sharks-in-danger-as-bears-chase-brailey/video/a1a901367fecc25b0e3cc55e54c1a49b

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Bears 'reality' sets in amid contract standoff

Phil Gould admits the looming threat of the Perth Bears could have an impact on players such as Blayke Brailey.

www.watoday.com.au

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Expansion 'reality' sets in as Sharks gun weighs up future

'Plenty of bargaining power'

www.nine.com.au

Sharks 'error' that could see Blayke Brailey join QLD Origin players at rival club

The star-studded trio have been linked with mega-money switches to a rival club. More here.

au.news.yahoo.com

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Bears boss tackles past and present

Anthony De Ceglie has many obstacles to overcome to build a rugby league franchise from scratch.

www.businessnews.com.au

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Panthers deny interest in two rival players as premiership-winner's early exit rejected

The NRL champion appears set to remain at the club. Find out more here.

au.news.yahoo.com

Garner may have also agreed to see out his contract with the Panthers because the Perth Bears enter the competition in 2027. A number of players - including Melbourne star Ryan Papenhuyzen and Broncos forward Kobe Hetherington - have signed short-term deals with clubs potentially with an eye on the Bears coming into the competition and offering fresh contracts.

 

[Perth Red]

Bears boss tackles past and present

Anthony De Ceglie has many obstacles to overcome to build a rugby league franchise from scratch.

www.businessnews.com.au

anyone got access? posting pay walled links isnt helpful!

 

[carinashark]

I gave this a listen, fullback Connor Tracey (Bulldogs 2026) is available, Townsend liked Will Kennedy (Sharks 2025).
For 5/8 I’d go for Tyran Wishart (Storm 2025), Chad also liked Wishart, Wishart can cover hooker and many other positions as well..
At Halfback Chad went Jahrome Hughes (Storm 2026) were as I’d settle for either Luke Metcalf (Warriors 2026) or Jayden Campbell (Titans 2026).
Finally at hooker Chad said he would settle for three lower hookers whereas I’d go either Blayke Brailey (Sharks 2026) or Billy Walters (Broncos 2026).
I’d save my big salary cap money for both Payne Haas (Broncos 2026) and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans 2025).

Would that be Luke Metcalf (local junior) we let go. Unwanted by the coaching staff?

 

[Perth Red]

Knights boss Peter Parr admits Newcastle might struggle to keep hold of Kalyn Ponga long-term and says he will 'no doubt' be a target of Mal Meninga's Perth Bears, who enter the NRL in 2027. Ponga is contracted to the Knights until the end of 2027 and recently broke his silence to commit his immediate future to the club, amid widespread reports the Origin star was considering a switch to rugby union.

The sidelined Newcastle skipper said he is 'excited' by what the future looks like at the Knights, with the likes of Eels playmaker Dylan Brown arriving next year on a lucrative 10-year deal. "Committed to the end of 2027. Excited about the vision of the club. Appreciate those that support me," Ponga posted on social media.
“There’s no doubt with the introduction of the new teams that Kalyn would be a target, especially for a Perth team,” Parr told News Corp. “He would be a great marquee signing for a new franchise, but I don’t know what the future holds. The person who would have a major say in whether Kalyn left early would be me and that won’t be happening. He is here for the next two years."

As Parr alluded to, Newcastle would have to release Ponga from the final year of his deal in 2027 in order for him to join the Bears when they come into the NRL that year. While the Knights seem unwilling to entertain that idea, it would leave Perth and PNG primed to make a big-money play for Ponga from 2028 onwards.

Knights boss makes admission about losing Kalyn Ponga amid links to Meninga's Bears

Newcastle could find it hard to keep hold of their superstar fullback. Details here.

au.news.yahoo.com